Shyam Benegal: Film-maker of the Real India

Book Details

• Author: Arjun Sengupta

• Publisher: Paper Missile

• Language: English

• Edition: 2024

• ISBN: 9788119626182

• Pages: 248

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches

About The Book

Shyam Benegal: A Cinematic Journey offers an in-depth exploration of one of India’s most influential filmmakers, Shyam Benegal. With a career spanning five decades, Benegal has crafted films that not only garnered national and international recognition but also reshaped the landscape of Indian cinema. As a pioneer of alternative cinema, Benegal’s work has continuously held up a mirror to the social, political, and cultural inequalities and injustices prevalent in India. His films, which blend profound artistic expression with social commentary, have had a lasting impact on generations of filmmakers.

This biography traces Benegal's journey, from his childhood influences to his early days in advertising, and the stages of his directorial career. Through detailed analysis of his films, the book explores their pan-Indian influence, reflecting the diverse cultural fabric of the nation. For the first time, the book delves into Benegal’s work in television, offering fresh insights into this lesser-known facet of his creative output.

In addition to film analysis, the book includes an exclusive interview with Shyam Benegal, where he reflects on his craft, his evolving cinematic techniques, and his philosophical views on filmmaking. Written in an accessible style, this monograph provides a concise yet profound analysis of the works of a filmmaker who is integral to understanding the cultural history of post-independence India.

About the Author:
Arjun Sengupta, a seasoned academic, teaches English Literature at St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. He has also taught at Scottish Church College and Presidency College. His expertise spans postmodern poetry, scriptwriting, and cinematic adaptations of literary works. Sengupta is a co-author of Victorian Literature and Modern Indian Literature and Soumitra Chatterjee: A Life in Cinema, Theatre, Poetry & Painting.